BJP prime ministerial candidate Narendra Modi on Sunday extended an invitation to the former Prime Minister H.D. Deve Gowda to stay in Gujarat after the Lok Sabha polls.
Taking a swipe at Mr. Gowda, who had reportedly said he would not stay in Karnataka if he (Mr. Modi) becomes the Prime Minister, the Gujarat Chief Minister said at a rally here that family rule [like that of Mr. Gowda and his sons] was always dangerous to democracy.
He said, “Deve Gowda ji , you are elder and also former Prime Minister. I’m like your son. If you can’t stay in Karnataka on my becoming the Prime Minister, I would request you to come to Gujarat and stay with us. We’ll make all arrangements for you – old age home, mansion or farmhouse. Or you can stay with me, and I’ll look after you better than your children.”
Gowda hits backHassan Staff Correspondent writes:
Mr. Gowda came down heavily of Mr. Modi for his offer. “Who is he to offer me shelter?” he told reporters at Channarayapatna.
“Instead of taking care of me, let Modi provide security for minorities in Gujarat....”
He added, “I, being the son of a farmer, can visit any country across the globe. I have that freedom. But the BJP’s prime ministerial candidate cannot get visa to visit many countries.”
Mr. Gowda said he was committed to his statement that he would retire from active politics if Modi was elected Prime Minister.